1. Why has Diversity Abroad rebranded to DA Global Access Network? Since 2006, Diversity Abroad has championed global student success by diversifying access to the academic, personal, and career benefits of international education. Over the years, our mission and impact have grown beyond study abroad to encompass all aspects of global education: Education Abroad, International Students & Scholars, Global Engagement at Home, and Professional Success in International Education. The shift to DA Global Access Network (DA Global) reflects the breadth and evolution of our work and a step forward in our mission to unlock global opportunities for all.
2. Has DA’s mission changed with the rebrand? Our overall mission remains the same: empowering educators, institutions, and students to thrive through expanded access to global education. The rebrand expands on our original mission and amplifies our commitment, ensuring we can better serve the diverse needs of the global education community.
3. Will the services and resources DA has offered in the past still be available? Absolutely. Membership and events will continue to be core to our organization along with the many programs, resources, and opportunities we have offered as Diversity Abroad for nearly two decades. Under DA Global, we will build upon the traditional diversity & inclusion related events and tools to now include programs and resources related to our expanded areas of engagement: Global Education & Student Success Alignment, Health, Safety, and Well-being, Partnership Development, and Employee Recruitment & Success.
4. Are there additional name changes?
The good news is our signature events and programs are here to stay, but some with new names. Members will now be known as DA Global Members. Currently we host two events solely focused on inclusive excellence in international education, the Global Inclusion Conference and the Global Inclusion Regional Summit. Going forward, the Global Inclusion Conference will now be known as the Global Impact Conference, and broaden its scope to center the intersection of inclusive access to global educational opportunities and student success (learn more about this change) . The Global Inclusion Regional Summit will not change and will continue to focus solely on inclusive excellence in global education. These programs and events will continue to serve as leading platforms for collaboration, innovation, and advancing opportunity in global education.
5. What does the rebrand mean for students engaging with BeGlobalii.com or other DA Global resources? The rebrand allows us to better connect with a broader range of students, extending beyond those focused solely on study abroad. Through BeGlobalii.com, which replaced DiversityAbroad.com in May 2024, we aim to empower students with the tools they need for lifelong success—whether they’re exploring international experiences, navigating college, or pursuing global careers. Learn more about our student learning & support opportunities.
6. Will DA Global’s headquarters or leadership team change? No, our headquarters remains in Berkeley, CA, and we are the leadership remains the same. With team members based in the U.S. and Europe, DA Global operates as a truly international organization, reflecting the global nature of our work. As of the new brand launch, team members’ email domains will transition from @diversityabroad to @daglobal.org.
7. What’s new on the DA Global website? Among other leading organizations in the international education space, DA Global uniquely serves the broadest set of audience groups. Our new website makes it easier for partners, educators, students, and other stakeholders to navigate to the content that is most valuable to them.
7. There have been several changes, what are the websites DA Global operates? Here are the major changes that go into effect on Monday, March 3, 2025. (OLD) diversityabroad.org > (NEW) daglobal.org
(OLD) diversityabroad.com > (NEW as of May 2024) BeGlobalii.com
8. Will members be able to access member only resources and learning opportunities?
Yes! Through the Member’s Hub, members will maintain access to exclusive resources, learning opportunities, and account management features.
9. How does DA Global ensure inclusivity in its programs, despite external challenges? DA Global is steadfast in our commitment to student success in global education. Regardless of political or societal challenges, we will continue to innovate and advocate for legal inclusive practices in global education, ensuring our programs are accessible for all.
10. How can I continue to support DA Global? Join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter! Explore the new DA Global website, engage with our programs, and share the news within your networks. Together, we can inspire even greater success through inclusive global education.
If you have additional questions, please contact us directly at members@daglobal.org. We are excited to continue this journey with you, advancing success through global education for all.
DA Global is proud to introduce the Global Impact Conference, the next evolution of its flagship event, formerly known as the Global Inclusion Conference. This transformation reflects a continued commitment to expanding access to international education and ensuring global experiences drive academic, career, and personal success for all students.
Bringing together international educators, student success professionals, diversity & inclusion leaders, and student affairs experts, the Global Impact Conference will continue to serve as the premier convening for professionals dedicated to advancing inclusive student success through access to the benefits of global education. With the tagline “Where Global Education and Success Meet,” the conference will highlight innovative strategies, foster collaboration, and drive meaningful impact in international education.
Grounded in Four Pillars of Global Engagement
The Global Impact Conference will continue to center on DA Global’s four key pillars, ensuring a holistic approach to global learning and student success:
• Outbound Mobility
• International Students Success
• Global Engagement at Home
• Success for Global Professionals
These pillars remain at the heart of DA Global’s mission, reinforcing the role of global education in advancing students and professional success.
An Event Rooted in IMPACT
The Global Impact Conference will be structured around DA Global’s IMPACT Framework, guiding its focus on:
I – Inclusion & Innovation – Advance innovative solutions to achieve equitable access to global education’s benefits.
M – Mentorship & Support – Provide exceptional guidance and advocacy for international and domestic students.
P – Personal & Professional Growth – Cultivate resilience, leadership, and lifelong learning.
A – Academic & Career Success – Power academic and career success through access to global education opportunities.
C – Collaboration – Strengthen home campus and international networks for student and institutional success.
T – Transformational Leadership – Shape the future of international education through vision and impact.
What’s Changing?
While global inclusive excellence remains a core value of the conference, the evolution to the Global Impact Conference reflects a broader and more intentional focus: ensuring global learning translates into measurable outcomes in academic achievement, personal growth, and career success for all students.
This shift makes the conference a vital space not only for international educators, but also for professionals across career development, student success, DEI, employer engagement, and other fields seeking to harness global education as a high-impact strategy.
Just as with the Global Inclusion Conference, themes related to global inclusive excellence are not only welcomed—they’re encouraged. Especially when they support efforts to expand access and ensure global education drives meaningful, inclusive student outcomes and institutional transformation.
Join Us at the Global Impact Conference
The 2025 Global Impact Conference will take place on October 29 – 31 in Minneapolis, MN, bringing together global education leaders, institutions, and organizations dedicated to expanding opportunity and fostering student success.
The Global Inclusion Regional Summit will continue to serve as a one-of-a-kind immersive experience that explores the intersection of diversity, equity, and inclusion and international education. The 2025 Global Inclusion Regional Summit will take place in Barcelona, Spain, June 25-27, 2025.
Diversity Abroad Becomes DA Global Access Network: Expanding Our Mission and Impact
For nearly two decades, Diversity Abroad—fondly known as “DA”—has led the charge in ensuring that global education is accessible to all students. Through our work, we’ve helped institutions and organizations leverage inclusive global education as a tool for student achievement, retention, and career readiness.
Since our inception in 2006 we have grown into a global network of over 300 institutions and organizations working to expand access to global learning and professional opportunities. Together, we’ve developed innovative programs such as the Global Inclusion Conference, the Global Equity & Inclusion Guidelines, and BeGlobalii.com, which supports students in aligning global experiences with their academic and career aspirations.
As our community and mission have grown, so has the language and scope of our work. While “abroad” was in our founding name to reflect our original focus on education abroad, our impact now spans the full breadth of the international education sector:
Education Abroad: Expanding global opportunities for all students.
International Students & Scholars: Supporting the success of inbound students and scholars.
Global Engagement at Home: Advancing international initiatives on campuses and in local communities.
Success for International Educators: Building workplaces where professionals of all backgrounds can thrive and lead.
To better align with our expanded mission and reflect the full scope of our work, we are thrilled to announce that Diversity Abroad is now DA Global Access Network, or simply DA Global. Our new name embraces our broader focus on aligning international education with higher education’s student success goals, while reaffirming our commitment to inclusive global education.
More Than a Name Change—A Mission Expansion
This transformation is not a departure but an expansion. As DA Global, we will advance three key goals:
Leverage Global Opportunities as a Driver to Success: Promote global education as a driver for student success, professional growth, and institutional impact.
Broaden Access to Global Education: Advance strategies that ensure inclusive access to the benefits of global education for all students.
Recruit and Retain Talented Professionals: Champion practices that increase professional access to the international education sector and promote belonging in the workplace
The Future with DA Global:
The transformation to DA Global marks an exciting new chapter for our organization. With expertise at the intersection of global education, inclusive excellence, and student success, DA Global is uniquely positioned to help partners develop the knowledge, insights, and infrastructure needed to meet higher education’s evolving goals. Our work elevates global education as a key driver of student success, professional growth, and institutional impact.
Leveraging nearly two decades of experience and an extensive partner network, we remain committed to delivering meaningful outcomes for both students and the professionals shaping the field. Together with our partners, we unlock opportunities that shape the future of students, educators, and institutions alike.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, we’ll continue to inspire global success and drive meaningful impact.
Andrew Gordon
CEO & Founder
DA Global Access Network
Title: Sustainability in Action: Integrating SDGs into International Education
Presenters:
Sean Reilly, AFS
Saskia Kaya, AFS
Description:
Integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into international education programs enhances their global impact. This session explores how SDG-focused curricula prepare students and educators for responsible and informed global citizenship..
Discuss how SDGs can be seamlessly integrated into curriculum and program design.
Highlight the value of aligning international education goals with global sustainability objectives.
Share examples of collaborative projects or community engagement initiatives tied to SDGs.
Explore the benefits of preparing students with sustainability-focused learning outcomes.
Title: Identity & Inclusion at the Crossroads: Involving Students in the Development of Practical Support Strategies in the European Context
Leadra Reeves, CASA Granada Spring ’24 Alum & Travel Grant Awardee
Dani Kaufman-Sedano, CASA Granada Spring ’23 Alum & Travel Grant Awardee
Description:
Join a seasoned study abroad director and two program alums as they share their stories, effective strategies, easy-to-implement practices, and the measurable outcomes that result from incorporating student voices in the development of inclusive support services onsite. In this deep-dive session, we invite you to engage in the exercise of validating the lived experiences of recent graduates whose identities span a range of both visible and invisible identities that we often encounter among our student cohorts, and of translating those experiences into concrete strategies. More specifically, based on both research findings and direct personal experiences, we will:
Come to a comprehensive understanding of inclusion, drawing from the different approaches utilized in Europe and the U.S., and the lived experiences of our students at this crossroads, and use it as the foundation for building inclusive programs and practices.
Explore the importance and the impact of inclusive approaches in academic and cultural adjustment support on students’ overall wellbeing and personal growth.
Identify specific challenges that students of varying identities face while studying abroad in Europe, with a particular focus on students of low-income backgrounds, Black students, LGBTQ+ students, and students of different religious backgrounds.
Discuss intentional support services/resources that study abroad programs can provide for diverse student populations in close collaboration with their host partners – institutions, host families, faculty, community organizations – and how to approach potential obstacles that may surface.
Engage with the process of developing, implementing and evaluating the success of inclusive initiatives, and measuring the direct impact on your students and the future of your program!
Title: From Abroad to Beyond: Turning European Experiences into Career Success
Presenters:
Nicola Sullivan, AIFS
Maya Edwards, AIFS
Description:
Global education experiences in Europe equip students with unique skills for careers in public and private sectors. This session highlights how these experiences translate into employability and career preparedness.
Explore how global education in Europe impacts students’ employability and career preparedness.
Identify transferable skills developed through international education and their alignment with workforce demands.
Discuss reverse culture shock and strategies to leverage the abroad experience professionally.
Showcase alumni success stories to inspire future students.
Title: Ready, Set, Go: Enhancing Student Preparedness for Study Abroad
Presenters:
Courtney Kroll, McGill University
Alba Orgilés Fernández, Barcelona SAE
Description:
Preparing students for study abroad requires collaborative and tailored approaches. This session discusses comprehensive strategies that improve readiness and promote successful experiences in Europe.
Identify key components of a comprehensive pre-departure orientation program.
Discuss best practices for collaboration between home and host institutions to enhance student readiness.
Highlight strategies for addressing cultural expectations, logistical concerns, and academic preparation.
Explore how orientations tailored to diverse student needs improve overall program experiences.
Title: Leveling Up: Advancing Career Readiness with Global Experiential Learning
Presenters:
Fiona Kirk, SIT
Description:
This session explores how global experiential learning can be harnessed to support career readiness, especially for students from marginalized backgrounds. Using a case study from SIT’s Internship Module in Amsterdam, “International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender”, attendees will examine how equity-centered internships and field-based experiences promote not only workplace skills but also personal empowerment and belonging. The discussion will highlight strategies to help students, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals and others facing systemic barriers, transition confidently from college to career. Participants will also learn how to develop global and local networks to support both student and professional growth. At the end of this session , attendees will be able to:
Identify key elements that support students in launching meaningful careers.
Understand core career readiness competencies through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens.
Recognize challenges faced by underrepresented students, especially LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Leverage global experiential learning to foster belonging and growth.
Build sustainable networks with NGOs and community-led initiatives.
Title: Mind Matters: Supporting the Mental Health of Diverse U.S. Students Abroad
Presenters:
Matilde Santini, CET
Chan Williams, Emory University
Description:
Addressing the mental health needs of diverse U.S. students is essential for their success abroad. This session focuses on proactive strategies to support student wellness in European educational environments.
Address the unique mental health challenges of diverse U.S. students in European educational settings.
Discuss stigma, cultural differences, and barriers to accessing mental health support abroad.
Identify proactive strategies to create a supportive environment that prioritizes well-being.
Highlight case studies of successful wellness initiatives tailored to diverse populations.
Title: Unlocking Potential: Recruiting Underserved U.S. Students to Europe
Presenters:
Quinn McMurtrey, IES Abroad
Description:
Recruiting underserved U.S. students requires unique strategies to address their needs and barriers. This session explores how European institutions can better connect with these students for both study abroad and full-degree programs.
Examine barriers that underserved U.S. students face in accessing study abroad and full-degree opportunities.
Identify successful recruitment strategies used by European universities to attract diverse U.S. students.
Discuss the importance of messaging that resonates with underserved communities and highlights program benefits.
Highlight examples of partnerships or funding initiatives that reduce barriers for underrepresented U.S. students.
Title: Navigating Identity and Privilege Across Borders: Equipping US Students for Critical Global Engagement in Europe
Presenters:
Shanah Khan, Intersect Madrid
Rachel Mantiñán, Academic Solutions
Description:
Drawing from expertise in the Spanish context, this session explores how identity, privilege, and cultural awareness shape international education experiences. Through a social justice approach, we will present practical strategies to help students recognize and analyze social dynamics across different cultural contexts.
Examine how international education intersects with gentrification and global mobility trends.
Explore frameworks for teaching identity and privilege concepts within international education settings
Develop tools that help students recognize and contextualize social inequities across cultural contexts
Examine how study abroad experiences differently impact students with marginalised identities and strategies for inclusive support
Discuss successful approaches for building cross-cultural understanding while acknowledging implementation challenges
Title:Belonging Abroad: The Challenges and Opportunities of Diversity and Inclusion in Global Learning Programs
Presenters:
Stefania Bernini, CET
José Espinosa, CIEE
Description:
This session focuses on how diverse student identities intersect with classroom experiences during study abroad, particularly in European academic contexts. As U.S. students engage in international coursework, they may encounter unfamiliar academic norms, limited representation, or differing cultural understandings of identity, race, and inclusion. This session will explore how faculty, staff, and institutions can proactively foster inclusive, respectful, and academically enriching classroom environments. Participants will examine the structural and interpersonal dynamics that impact students’ ability to fully participate, learn, and thrive in international classrooms—and gain tools to create learning spaces where all students feel seen, supported, and empowered. By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Recognize common academic challenges faced by diverse U.S. students in European classrooms
Understand the impact of intersectional identities on students’ classroom engagement, participation, and sense of academic belonging abroad.
Develop strategies for inclusive pedagogy in international classrooms, such as incorporating diverse perspectives, establishing classroom norms that prioritize respect, and addressing cultural misunderstandings thoughtfully.
Discuss practical tips to implement institutional and instructional practices that support inclusive academic experiences throughout the study abroad program.
Title: Financing Dreams: Breaking Barriers for Underserved U.S. Study Abroad Students
Presenters:
Alsace Gallop, North Carolina A&T
Description:
Financial challenges often deter underserved U.S. students from participating in study abroad. This session will highlight creative funding strategies and best practices to increase access for these populations.
Discuss the financial barriers facing underserved U.S. students interested in studying abroad in Europe.
Explore creative funding options such as scholarships, grants, and partnership programs.
Analyze the role of financial literacy education in preparing students for cost management abroad.
Share best practices for equitably distributing resources to increase participation rates among diverse students.
Title: Diversity Explained: What European Students Should Know About U.S. Colleges
Presenters:
Monique Hodges, Tulane University
Alejandra Rincon, UCSF
Description:
The United States has been historically a popular destination for students seeking to study abroad. Current controversies around “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” (DEI) have created confusion about what this work entails, who these efforts are targeted to and general concerns about safety for students of particular marginalized identities.
This session seeks to demystify equity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility as work that serves everyone without preference or prejudice. Participants will explore the concept of intersecting identities and learn strategies to help European students understand how various aspects of culture and identity will enhance their experiences at U.S. colleges or universities.
Attendees will also examine the historical context of college and university access in the United States, exploring how diversity has evolved over time with intentionality and impact to serve everyone. While this work continues to face increased scrutiny, the need for engagement, equity, and access for all students remains critical in a global society.
Title: Holistic Support Strategies for U.S. Students in Europe (pre-arrival)
Presenters:
Ethan Trinh, Georgia State University
Kyle Keith, Barcelona SAE
Description:
Providing effective and inclusive support is key to fostering academic success for U.S. students in Europe. This session discusses strategies European institutions are using to ensure all students thrive academically and personally.
Identify specific academic and non-academic challenges U.S. students face in European educational contexts.
Discuss tailored support systems implemented by European institutions for diverse student populations.
Highlight initiatives for inclusive student success, such as peer mentoring, accessible resources, and identity-specific programs.
Explore the impact of cultural adjustment support on students’ overall academic and personal growth.
Title: Building Bridges, Not Walls: Cultivating Inclusive Workplaces in Europe
Presenters:
Keshia Abraham, Abraham Consultancy
Description:
Creating an inclusive workplace is essential for supporting diverse employees in the field of international education. This session examines successful policies and practices for fostering inclusivity in European institutions.
Define elements of an inclusive work culture within European institutions.
Share examples of successful policies and practices that support employees from diverse backgrounds.
Discuss challenges in achieving inclusivity within transnational and multicultural teams.
Explore ways to embed inclusivity into professional development and workplace dynamics.
Title: Learning Where You Live: Engaging with Local Communities while Abroad
Presenters:
Marta Minguella, Barcelona SAE
Maria Mateu, ISEP
Description:
On-site engagement with local communities offers invaluable opportunities for cultural and experiential learning. This session will explore how European institutions can deepen students’ understanding through meaningful collaborations with diverse populations. Participants will gain practical tips and strategies for engaging local communities when developing and implementing experiential learning programs. Using the city of Barcelona as a case study, we will examine the benefits and impact of such engagement on students, institutions, and the local community.
Examine the benefits of fostering cultural engagement with local, diverse communities.
Explore case studies from Barcelona that showcase collaborations with marginalized groups, such as refugees, to enrich student learning.
Discuss how experiential learning activities deepen cultural understanding and global competence.
Highlight methods for evaluating the impact of such programs on students and host communities
